Not just a gateway holiday: why we should be grateful for Thanksgiving
By Noor Memarzadeh, Staff Writer
From the traditional foods like turkey and cranberry sauce, to the fall decorations and the time spent with loved friends and family eating together and forming traditions, there is no doubt that Thanksgiving is the best holiday.
Thanksgiving’s savory dishes such as the main turkey, mashed potatoes and the sweet dishes like pumpkin pie are unmatched by any other holiday. The effort that goes into making these foods does not happen on any regular day and Thanksgiving is the one holiday that allows for all of these amazing foods to be made at once.
Whether they're annoying or not, having a day spent with your family and friends is another reason as to why Thanksgiving is so great! The holiday is an opportunity for many friends and families to come together whether they travel from far or nearby. Whether this is a time for families to form long lasting traditions or simply to laugh and catch up the time spent with them is always enjoyable. Samo math teacher Kevin Shipley shared his own little Thanksgiving tradition he has formed with his friends.
“Thanksgiving is so great! I used to have a competition with my best friend on who could put on the most weight from the meal. Formal pre/post meal weigh-ins took place,” Shipley said.
The thanksgiving holiday marks the day that the pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans came together for a feast.
Not only does the holiday share a fun family aspect with Christmas or Hanukkah but incorporates the idea of being thankful instead of spending money for presents. Unlike other holidays, Thanksgiving is not commercialized to such a great extent and made to revolve around present exchange. Instead of present exchanges the holiday has activities such as gratitude games and thankful jars. Like the name of the holiday suggests, Thanksgiving is more centered around being thankful and enjoying your blessings such as your family and food.
“I just really enjoy the time I spend with my family. It is one of the few times everyone really comes together and we all get to talk. I also really enjoy making food together as a family,” Layla Shapouri (’21) said.
Another huge plus about the holiday is that it is not religious. Thanksgiving is a holiday that everyone from all religious beliefs can celebrate regardless of the god they do or don't believe in. On the other hand, holidays such as Diwali and Hanukkah are restricted only for those who practice that certain religion.
In comparison to other holidays, Thanksgiving is often overlooked for absolutely no reason. Thanksgiving is an inclusive and overall beautiful, fulfilling holiday with a positive message of gratitude and community.